Browse | The Daily Chronicle

Russian quake a reminder of Washington state’s risk of a major temblor

A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's Far East coast early Wednesday, prompting tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Washington state’s west coast. Although the … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 7/31/25

Monument Ranger Rebecca Hoffman (top right) and her staff at a meeting on Sept. 23, 2019 at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington. The forest is part of the U.S. Forest Service Region 6, who will lose its regional headquarters under a new plan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Photo courtesy of USDA /Cecilio Ricardo)

U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region Headquarters could be closed

U.S. Forest Service offices in Portland charged with wildfire prevention, scientific research, forestland management and conservation across the Northwest would be shuttered and moved out of state … more

By Alex Baumhardt / States Newsroom | 7/31/25

A walker enjoys the waning daylight along Seabrook’s wide, flat beach against the windswept Pacific Ocean.

Three reasons why the Pacific Ocean tsunami fizzled before reaching Washington

The earthquake Tuesday off Russia’s far eastern coast was one of the strongest in recorded history. People across the Pacific Ocean braced for a potentially devastating tsunami to follow. … more

Conrad Swanson / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/31/25

FDA moves to restrict 7-hydroxymitragynine, an opioid-like kratom compound now available over the counter

In effort to slow the opioid crisis, federal regulators plan to restrict a kratom compound available in smoke shops over the counter in Spokane and across the country. The Food and Drug … more

Amanda Sullender / The Spokesman-Review (TNS) | 7/31/25

Northwest Public Broadcasting to lose $2M annually under federal cuts

Northwest Public Broadcasting — an independent source of journalism that reaches more than 3.6 million people in 44 counties — will make programming cuts after losing $2 million annually … more

Simmerdeep Kaur / Walla Walla Union-Bulletin (TNS) | 7/31/25

Small plane crashes into Cashmere home; 2 injured

A small airplane crashed into a house in Cashmere on Wednesday, injuring two people aboard, according to the Chelan County sheriff's office. The plane crashed into a house in the 300 block of … more

Caitlyn Freeman / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/31/25

Microsoft sales smash Wall Street expectations, driven by cloud and AI

In a three-month span filled with widespread layoffs and billions spent on AI, Microsoft made more than $27 billion. The tech giant released financial results for its most recent fiscal quarter, … more

Alex Halverson / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/31/25

How is Washington state’s coast preparing for the next tsunami?

Before, during and after the distant Kamchatka tsunami propelled 1-foot waves to Washington state, coastal communities here have been preparing for our own Big Rip someday. For instance, … more

Mike Lindblom / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/31/25

Exhibitors hold their sheep for judges at the Thurston County Fair in Lacey on Thursday, Aug. 1.

2025 Thurston County Fair kicks off Thursday. Here’s what’s new this year

The 2025 Thurston County Fair kicks off Thursday with a new four-day format packed with old and new activities. The festivities last until Sunday at the Thurston County Fairgrounds located at … more

Martín Bilbao / The Olympian (TNS) | 7/31/25

Workers assemble parts on the lower mid section of a Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet at the St. Louis assembly line on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022. The cockpit and seating area for the pilot can be seen at the front of the section.

What could a Boeing defense strike mean for the company?

More than 3,200 Boeing employees at defense division factories in the St. Louis area could walk off the job Sunday, halting production of the aerospace company’s fighter jets. Members of … more

Lauren Rosenblatt / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 7/31/25

The Chronicle - July 31, 2025

7/31/25

Church gets another chance to challenge Washington state abortion coverage law

For more than six years, the Cedar Park Assembly of God in Kirkland has been fighting Washington state in court over a law that requires employer-sponsored health insurance to cover access to … more

By Jake Goldstein-Street / The Washington State Standard | 7/30/25

District 3 Congressional candidate Joe Kent speaks during a debate hosted by The Chronicle in the TransAlta Commons at Centralia College on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Senate confirms Joe Kent to lead a national intelligence agency

Joe Kent, a former Army Special Forces soldier and two-time Republican candidate for Congress in Washington state, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday as director of the National … more

Jerry Cornfield / The Washington State Standard | 7/30/25

Cones surround a human-made pit to help contain and recover diesel fuel near Olequa Creek in Winlock on Tuesday, July 29. The Washington state Department of Ecology responded to a report of an oil sheen in the creek. The department estimates over 200 gallons of diesel spilled into Olequa Creek.

Cleanup at Olequa Creek continues after 200 gallons of diesel leaked from tank

Cleanup efforts continue at a site along Olequa Creek in Winlock after a diesel fuel spill from a nearby tank contaminated the surrounding area earlier this month. A spill team with the … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 7/30/25

Joseph Carl Mede-Schockey, 36, of Centralia, appears in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday, July 28.

Bail set at $100,000 for Centralia man charged with multiple counts of domestic violence assault

A Centralia man was arrested Sunday and charged in Lewis County Superior Court Monday with second-degree and fourth-degree domestic violence assault following an alleged altercation with his … more

By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com | 7/30/25

The Riverside Fire Authority and West Thurston Fire Department work to extinguish a brush fire off of Hobson Road just north of Centralia on Tuesday, July 29.

No structures threatened, no injuries in Hobson Road brush fire north of Centralia

A nearly 2-acre brush fire burned Tuesday evening and reignited early Wednesday morning after the initial containment line was breached, according to a Riverside Fire Authority news release. No … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/30/25

An outdoor showing of “The Sandlot” is projected on an inflatable screen as the sun sets during the Northwest Futures Fastpitch League movie night at Wheeler Field in Centralia on Tuesday, July 29. The family-friendly event was aimed at supporting opportunities for local girls to grow through sport, competition and community. The NWFFL is a developmental league dedicated to empowering young female athletes and their families, with practices and games held in Lewis County.

In focus: Northwest Futures Fastpitch League movie night at Wheeler Field features ‘The Sandlot’

7/30/25

Death notices: July 30, 2025

• HUNTER REI WILSON, 16, Chehalis, died July 20. Family will be having a memorial service at The Loft in Chehalis on Saturday, Sept. 13, at a time to be announced. Arrangements are under the … more

7/30/25

Sirens: Woman arrested after dog attack; suspect in indecent exposure identified; laser pointed at aircraft

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Arrests • Anthony Wells, 48, of Centralia, was arrested and booked into the Chehalis Tribal Jail at around 9:33 p.m. July 28 for second-degree criminal … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/30/25

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Letter to the editor: You should be concerned by Washington Forest Practices Board proposal

The Washington Forest Practices Board is proposing new legislation pushed by the Washington Department of Ecology that will affect all of us financially. The Washington Forest Practices Board … more

7/30/25